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AN INFURIATED HIPPO 


A hippo came furiously up the stream, his loud snorts re-echoing from the dark 
overhanging precipices. (See p. 19). 


ss ant OFP PRINCES 


Mv. > 
MOFFAT OF FRIC un 


A ZEALOUS MISSIONARY @& A BRAY 






BY 


NORMAN 1./DAVIDSON, B.A.(Oxon.) 


AUTHOR OF “PENNELL OF THE INDIAN FRONTIER,” 
“ RARBROOKE GRUBB, PATHFINDER,” &¢, &¢. 


WITH ILLUSTRATIONS 





NEW YORK 


GEORGE H. DORAN COMPANY 
1926 





LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS 


= 


AN INFURIATED Hippo ‘ 
Morrat’s CouracEous ENDEAVOUR 
A Niqaut oF LIons 


Morrat AND KING MoSELEKATSE 


Frontispiece 


PAGE 


25 


31 





Moffat of Africa 


OBERT MOFFAT, the famous missionary and pioneer, 
R was born at Ormiston, East Lothian, December 21st, 
1795, of humble parentage. From there the family removed 
to Carronshire near Falkirk, where he attended the parish 
school and picked up such crumbs of knowledge as he could, 
and afterwards was sent with a brother to a school at Falkirk. 
From his parents he derived those deep religious impressions 
which guided his actions all through life. When fourteen years 
of age he was apprenticed to a gardener at Polmont, a stern 
but just man, who discouraged laziness and taught his appren- 
tices their business. When his apprenticeship was finished he 
obtained a post in the gardens of the Earl of Moray, and 
afterwards with Mr. Leigh in Cheshire. This was a long journey 
in those days, which had to be performed by canal, sea, coach, 
and on foot. He had an affecting parting with his mother, who 
made him promise to read his Bible every day. 

While with Mr. Leigh he was one day attracted by a placard 
announcing a missionary meeting to be held by the London 
Missionary Society. He read it over and over again, and from 
that moment new thoughts and desires took root in his heart— 
he would bea missionary. But reflection made him despondent, 
for he had no education, and he had no friends in a position to 
help him, At last he resolved to interview Mr, Roby, the 
missionary whose name appeared on the placard. With a 
great effort he summoned up his courage and knocked at the 
door. Mr. Roby received him very kindly, and listened with 
attention and sympathy to all Moffat had to say. In conclusion 
he promised to help him, and to provide him with opportunities 
for showing if he had the fitness which such a calling demanded. 

9 


IO Moffat of Africa 


Through Mr. Roby’s influence he was placed with a nursery 
gardener named Smith, whose daughter Mary afterwards 
became Moffat’s wife. 

Through Mr. Roby, Moffat’s application was placed before 
the directors of the L.M.S., who at first declined it, but were 
induced to reconsider their decision, and eventually accepted 
him as a candidate, and he was appointed to South Africa at 
the age of twenty-one. 

When Moffat landed at Cape Town in 1817 it was his inten- 
tion to proceed at once to Namaqualand, a large tract of 
country lying between the north-west of Cape Colony and the 
Atlantic Ocean, but permission to do so was for a long time 
refused by the Cape authorities owing to the unsettled state 
of the interior, The objections were withdrawn, however, after 
many persistent applications, and permission given to start on 
his journey. At this period the country was terrorised by a 
native outlaw, Africaner, whose very name was dreaded by the 
people of the interior. He and his brother Titus had been 
implicated in the death of a Dutch farmer in whose service 
they were, and who had treated them with great harshness. 
He was outlawed, and a price of 1000 dollars was set on his 
head. He gathered round him a band of followers, and spread — 
terror through the country. His career was an extraordinary 
one: he began as a desperate bandit, breathing out fire and 
slaughter, and ended by being a firm friend of Moffat’s and a 
devoted follower of Christianity. He had come under the in- 
fluence of the missionaries before Moffat’s arrival, and, with 
his two brothers, was baptized, but as Moffat approached the 
boundaries of the Colony he found that the farmers, who, of 
course, had not one good word to say of Africaner, were 
sceptical to the last degree about his conversion, and prophesied 
an unhappy end to Moffat’s career at his hands. One said that 
he would set him up as a mark for his boys to shoot at ; another, © 
that he would strip off his skin and make a drum of it to dance 
to; while a third predicted that he would make a drinking-cup 


Moffat of Africa II 


of his skull. One kind, motherly lady wiped a tear from her eye 
as she bade him farewell, and said: ‘‘ Had you been an old 
man it would have been nothing, for you would soon have died, 
whether or no; but you are young, and going to become a prey 
to that monster.” We shall see how untrue these gloomy 
predictions were. The account, too, which the missionary 
received from a traveller of the region he was about to pass 
through, was not encouraging: ‘‘ You will find,” he was told, 
“‘ plenty of sand and stones, a thinly scattered population 
always suffering from want of water, plains and hills roasted 
like a burnt loaf, under the scorching rays of a cloudless sun.” 

The ignorant traveller is wont to scoff at the awkward, 
clumsy-looking wagon, but experience soon teaches him how 
well suited it is for the heavy work it has to perform. The slow 
and measured paces of the oxen, and their intractable nature, 
try one’s patience; but if slow, they are powerful and well 
adapted for their strenuous work. Drivers had to be engaged, 
horses and spare oxen to be bought, as well as sheep to provide 
them with mutton. On account of the extreme heat travelling 
had to be done by night, and it required no little perseverance 
as well as courage, when sometimes a hyena would approach 
with his unearthly howl and set the poor timid sheep scampering 
in all directions; and the missionary dreading the loss of his 
mutton, in his haste gets his legs torn by one bush and his face 
scratched by another, now tumbles prostrate over an ant-hill, 
and then headlong into the large hole of a wild boar. He 
frequently arrives at the halting-place long after the wagons, 
when the keen eye of the native wagon-driver surveys the cattle 
and announces to the breathless and thirsty missionary that he 
has lost some of his charge. He sits down by the fire, examines 
his wounds, and heavy sleep ends his day’s labours. A search 
next morning reveals only a few bones. The hyena has had the 
rest. On one occasion the flock was reduced to one, which 
became so tame that it was with the greatest reluctance they 
were obliged to sacrifice its life to their needs. Scarcity of water 


12 Moffat of Africa 


was the chief trouble with which they had to contend, the oxen 
at times being so exhausted that they could not move the wagon 
one inch. Recourse would be had to digging, and after excavating 
an immense hole they would be rewarded with a scanty supply 
of liquid resembling the bilge-water of a ship, but which was 
drunk with great satisfaction. One evening most of the oxen 
stampeded off to their last halting-place, and for three days 
they were left stranded on the blistering plain with hardly any 
food until messengers could bring oxen and supplies from Pella, 
the nearest mission station. 

After staying at Pella for some days Moffat resumed his 
journey, his destination being Africaner’s kraal. Having to 
cross a river the wagon and its contents were swum over piece- 
meal, on a fragile raft of dry willow logs, about six feet long, 
and from four to six inches thick; fastened together with the 
inner bark of the mimosa, which stud the banks of the river, at this 
place five hundred yards wide, rocky, and with a rapid current. 
The rafts were carried down a great distance by the stream, 
taken to pieces every time of crossing, each man swimming back 
with alog. When it came to Moffat’s turn to cross, the prospect 
did not seem to him very enticing, so he stripped and plunged 
into the water, leaving his clothes to be ferried over. His men 
were horrified when they saw him in the middle of the rapid 
current, and some of them sprang in to save him, but, being an 
expert swimmer he easily kept ahead of them and reached the 
other bank safely. An affecting scene then took place, for he 
was met by the people from Warm Bath, a mission station not 
far distant, who pleaded that he would come to them. Moffat 
protested that he must first fulfil his promise to visit Africaner. 
The women, however, were insistent, and vowed that they 
would lay their bodies on the ground in front of his wagon, to be 
crushed if he advanced. At last a party of Africaner’s people, 
with three of his brothers was seen approaching in the distance. 
This ended a painful conflict ; for, awed by their presence, the 
people withdrew with many tears. 


Moffat of Africa 13 


Christian Africaner gave Moffat a cordial reception, and at 
once ordered a hut to be erected for him. But though the 
reception was friendly there appeared to be an undercurrent of 
animosity running beneath the surface which Moffat could not 
fathom, and which caused him great distress. A Mr. Ebner had 
been in charge of the mission before Moffat arrived, and it was 
evident that this feeling was directed against him, and when 
Titus, the chief’s brother, who was a bitter enemy of mission- 
aries, came to the station it was still more pronounced, for he 
would stand before Ebner’s house and pour the most violent 
abuse upon his head, ordering him to leave the village, and 
threatening him with violence. The chief refused to take any 
part in the matter, but promised to restrain Titus from personal 
assault. This quarrel culminated in Ebner refusing to take any 
further part in the mission work, and handing over the entire 
charge to Moffat, who was thus left quite alone amongst a 
people suspicious in the extreme: in a barren and miscrable 
country, and with a small salary not exceeding £25 a year. He 
had no grain, and consequently no bread, and no prospect of 
getting any owing to the want of water to cultivate the ground ; 
and destitute of the means of sending to the Colony. But there 
was one bright beam which cheered Moffat’s heart, and that 
was, the increasing interest taken by the chief in the study of 
the Scriptures. Titus too, who was a grief to his brother, and a 
terror to most of the inhabitants on the station, and a fearful 
example of ungodly living, had become greatly subdued in 
spirit. 

The state of the people and the impossibility of the spot on 
which they lived becoming a permanent missionary station 
raised the question as to the advisability of searching out a 
locality more suitable. It was accordingly resolved to make a 
journey to the north, and examine the country on the borders 
of Damaraland where it was reported fountains of water 
abounded ; but Moffat had only one wagon, and that was a 
cripple. There were neither smiths nor carpentcrs on the 


I4 Moffat of Africa 


station, and Moffat had no experience of such work, but with 
the determination which is so characteristic of these brave 
pioneers of Christianity when driven back on their own 
resources he made a forge, complete with bellows, and rough 
but effective tools, and succeeded in putting fresh tyres on the 
wheels and mending the locks of several guns, to the great 
admiration of the onlookers, but somewhat to tlie embarrass- 
ment of the worker. When all was ready a body of thirty men 
prepared to set forth. Moffat objected to so formidable a body- 
guard, but Jacobus, Africaner’s brother, told him that they 
were concerned for his safety, and that he would run less risk 
of being molested, and Moffat confesses that he was right. 

The country over which they passed was barren in the 
extreme, but game abounded; water, however, was very 
scarce. Ina vale they found some honey in a fissure in the rock 
and enjoyed it ; but after a time all who had eaten of it experi- 
enced an intolerable burning sensation in the throat which 
water failed to alleviate. A native who had approached the 
camp informed them that the honey of that vale was dan- 
gerous to eat, as it was gathered from the flowers of poisonous 
bushes. , 

After reaching some of the branches of the Fish River the 
party was brought to a stand. The wild Namaquas were 
suspicious of the object of their visit. They knew of the fame 
of Africaner, and had been informed of his object, as well as 
that of the missionary, but they had in earlier times received 
such impressions of “‘ hat-wearers’”’ that they were resolved on 
a determined opposition or flight, Africaner proposed to return 
rather than run the risk of shedding blood, and in this he was — 
confirmed by the arrival of a relative from the north who gave 
a very poor account of the country. 

During their return homeward they were often exposed to 
danger from lions, and some of their number had hair-breadth 
escapes. One night they were quietly camped near a pool and 
had just closed their evening worship, when a terrific roar was 


Moffat of Africa 5 


heard. The terrificd oxen rushed through the camp and over 
the fires, scattering hats and hymn-books, Bibles and guns in 
the wildest confusion, and leaving the party prostrate in the 
dust and sand. Providentially no serious injury was sustained ; 
the oxen were pursued, brought back, and secured to the wagon 
through the promptness of Africaner, who seized a firebrand and 
bade his people follow him into the darkness. 

It was the custom of the people in these parts to abandon 
their parents when too old or infirm to provide for themselves, 
leaving with them a small quantity of food and water. 

Being disappointed in the object of their journey they 
endeavoured to reach home by a shorter route: but this nearly 
ended in disaster, for they found themselves in a plain of deep 
sand, and were on the point of abandoning their wagon. They 
had no water, and though they found some water-melons they 
were as bitter as gall. After searching in all directions they 
discovered a river, and rushed pell-mell down its banks. So 
frantic with thirst were the poor oxen that it was only with 
great difficulty they were restrained from plunging into the 
water and dragging the wagon after them. They, however, 
reached home without further mishap. 

Itinerating or missionary visits to the surrounding villages 
now followed. A short description of Moffat’s manner of living 
may perhaps be here given. As before noticed, he had neither 
bread nor vegetables. Mr. Bartlett, of Pella, once sent him a 
bag containing a few pounds of salt, but, on examining it, it was 
hard to tell whether there was more sand or salt, and having 
become accustomed to do without it, he hung it upon a nail, 
where it remained untouched. His food was milk and meat, 
living for weeks together on one, and then for a while on the 
other, and again on both together. All was well so long as he 
had either ; but sometimes they both failed, and there were no 
shops in the country where they could be purchased ; and had 
there been any they must have been bought on credit, for money 
he had none. 


16 Moffat of Africa 


Meals consisted frequently of a draught of milk in the morn- 
ing, another at noon, and a third at night, either sweet, sour, or 
curdled ; He had frequently pretty long fasts, and had recourse 
to the “‘ fasting girdle,’ as it is called ; on more than one occa- 
sion, after the morning service, he shouldered his gun, and went to 
the plain or the mountain browin search of something to eat, and, 
when unsuccessful, returned, laid down his gun, and addressed 
his congregation. He never liked begging, and was frequently 
hard put to; but many a time has an unknown friend placed in 
his hut a portion of food, on which he looked with feelings better 
conceived than described. He never forgot the kindness of 
Titus Africaner, who, when he visited the station, would ask 
what he could do for him, and, on receiving a few shots, would 
go to the field, and almost always bring home something, for he 
was an extraordinary marksman. 

The contents of his wardrobe bore the same impress of 
poverty. The supply of clothes which he had received in 
London were, as is too often the case, made after the dandy 
fashion, and being still a growing youth, they soon went to 
pieces. There were no laundry-maids there, nor anything like 
ironing or mangling. The old woman who washed his linen, 
sometimes with soap, but oftener without, was wont to make one 
shirt into a bag, and stuff the others into it; and he just took. 
them out as they were, and more than once has he turned one © 
to feel the comfort of a clean shirt. His mother, to keep him 
out of mischief in the long winter evenings, had taught him to 
sew and knit; and when he would tell her he intended being 
a man, she would reply, “‘ Lad, ye dinna ken whar your lot will 
be cast.’? She was right, for he often had occasion to use the 
needle since. Once she showed him how a shirt might be 
smoothed, by folding it properly, and hammering it with a piece 
of wood. Resolving one day to have a nice shirt for the Sabbath, 
he folded up one, and having prepared a suitable block, laid it on, 
not a smooth hearth-stone, but fine granite, and hammered 
away in good carnest, when Africaner coming by said, ‘‘ What — 


Moffat of Africa 17 


are you doing?” ‘*‘ Smoothing my shirt,” he replied. ‘‘ That 
is one way,” said he. So it was, for on holding it up to view, it 
was riddled with holes ; some as large as the point of his finger. 
When he left the country he had not half a dozen shirts with 
two sleeves apiece. 

Africaner was most anxious to leave Namaqualand, and a 
location having been offered to him in Griqualand he begged 
Moffat to go and survey it. Moffat at first refused as the mission 
seemed to be of a political nature. However, at the earnest 
request of Africaner he consented. Although their course lay 
along the banks of the Orange River, Moffat’s party suffered 
torture from thirst and hunger, for all the villages lay on the 
other side of the river. The river at this point presented the 
appearance of a plain, miles in breadth, entirely covered with 
mimosa trees among which the many branches of the river ran, 
and then tumbled over the precipices, raising clouds of mist. 
One night they were overtaken by darkness, a cold wind was 
blowing and they were afraid to light a fire because of the Bush- 
men, so Moffat adopted an expedient of others in similar 
circumstances, and scooping a large hole in the sand lay down 
in it and covered himself with the sand which had been exca- 
vated, and passed a comfortable night, in spite of the roaring 
of lions. 

On one occasion Moffat had a narrow escape from death, for 
coming to a pool he stooped down and took a hearty draught 
and immediately felt an unusual taste in his mouth, and looking 
attentively at the water it dawned on him that the pool had 
been poisoned for game. At that moment a Bushman came 
running up with a terrified look on his face, and seizing Moffat 
by the arm tried to drag him from the pool. But when Moffat 
intimated that he had already drunk of the water the man’s 
distress was great. He ran off to his village followed by Moffat, 
the natives, with sympathy expressed on their faces, looking on 
him already as dead. The sensation was one of extreme fulness 
of the arteries, with rapid beating of the pulses, and giddiness. 

B 


18 Moffat of Africa 


However, the unpleasant effects passed entirely away alter a 
few days, leaving no trace behind. 

After several days they reached the Quis or Kwees River, 
suffering from the pangs of hunger. This they tried to alleviate 
by drinking as much water as they possibly could. In this 
neighbourhood Moffat and a companion while riding in front 
quite lost touch with the main body. Moffat fired his gun but 
the only answer was a terrific roar from a lion close at hand 
which continued to follow them far into the night, when they 
- and their horses were so exhausted that they were compelled to 
halt. They allowed their horses to go free and lit a fire. 
Fortunately the lion did not attack them. After spending a 
very uncomfortable night they arose, and the companion went 
off in search of the horses while Moffat tried to find water. As 
he was walking along he happened to cough, and immediately 
he was surrounded by close on a hundred baboons, who grunted, 
grinned, and sprang from rock to rock, threatening an instant 
attack. Moffat parried them with his gun; he was afraid to 
shoot for that would have invited an immediate attack. At 
length he reached the plain where the baboons appeared to hold 
a noisy council. The animals did not follow him further, but, 
Moffat kept his gun pointed at two of the largest and most 
aggressive. The companion soon appeared with the horses, and 
they resumed their painful journey. So parched were their 
mouths that speech was gone and everything was expressed by 
signs. At length they came to a small pool, filthy in the 
extreme, but what a boon to them in their distress. They 
staggered to the house of a friend, speechless, haggard, ex- 
hausted, and unrecognisable. 

Moffat reached Griqua Town and after drawing up his report 
respecting the object of his visit, prepared to return to Namaqua- 
land. During the afternoon of the day on which they started 
they were overtaken by a terrific thunderstorm, the rain coming 
down in torrents. Having reached the place where they 
intended to halt they scraped together a few twigs and after 


Moffat of Africa 19 


getting them alight with much difficulty went off in search of 
more fuel. They collected all they could find and retraced their 
steps in the direction of the camp, but the fire had disappeared 
and they had no landmark. After a long search in the midst 
of another violent storm they found the camp, the fire out, and 
the guardian asleep under a small bush. They had before them 
the prospect of a miserable night, but contrary to expectation, 
in spite of the chilly wind and pelting rain, they all fell asleep. 
Moffat rose next morning stiff, cold, and dizzy, his hair clotted 
with mud, but after a refreshing bathe in a pool of rain-water, 
and when he had wrung out his clothes, he prepared to enjoy a 
breakfast of biscuits provided by friends at Griqua Town, But 
more disappointment was in store, for the bag which contained 
the biscuits held also some tobacco, and the rain had trans- 
formed the two into one disgusting mass which even their 
famished condition could not tolerate, and so a good draught 
of water had to supply their wants. 

‘The night before reaching home they had a narrow escape 
from a hippo. It was necessary to cross a river, the only 
fordable part of which was by means of two low islands covered 
with reeds and jungle. These were a great distance from each 
other, and it was now nearly dark. They had reached the first 
when a hippo came furiously up the stream, his loud snorts 
re-echoing from the dark overhanging precipices. Younker 
Africaner, a brother of the chief, shouted to Moffat to escape, 
and, springing from his horse, which appeared petrified with 
terror, he seized a large stone and hurled it at the huge creature, 
for the guns were out of order. The enraged animal then made 
for the next ford through which Moffat was forcing his horse, up 
to the saddle in a rapid torrent. A moment’s delay on his part 
would have been fatal. The other men remained until the 
infuriated animal had again got into the rear when they also 
escaped to the second island, where expecting another encounter, 
all made the best of their way to the mainland, effectually 
drenched with perspiration and water. As a rule hippos are 


20 Moffat of Africa 


timid, but if wounded or constantly hunted they become savage 
and very dangerous. | 

Moffat gave the details of his journey and the result of his 
investigations to Africaner, who expressed his entire satisfaction, 
but it was resolved that the question of the removal should for 
the time being remain undetermined. 

Moffat at this time was contemplating a visit to the Cape 
and proposed to Africaner that he should accompany him. But 
Africaner reminded him that he was an outlaw with a price upon 
his head. Moffat, however, reassured him, and it was finally 
decided that he should go, the perilous part of the scheme being 
to get Africaner safely through the territories of the farmers to 
the Cape. Though a chief there was no necd to lay aside any- 
thing like royalty with a view to travel in disguise. Of the two 
substantial shirts Moffat had left, one he gave to Africaner; he 
had a pair of leather trousers, a duffel jacket, much the worse 
for wear, and an old hat neither white nor black, and Moffat’s 
own garb was scarcely more refined. As a further precaution 
it was agreed that for once Moffat should be the chief and that 
Africaner should be in the character of a servant. The picture 
may appear to be ludicrous, but the subject was a grave one. 
On the journey it amused Africaner and his Namaqua followers 
to hear the opinions of the Dutch farmers on that ferocious and 
inhuman monster Africaner, and one farmer with whom Moffat 
was very intimate for a long time refused to believe that he was 
addressing anything but the missionary’s ghost, so convinced was 
he that he had perished at the hands of the monster of iniquity ; 
but when Africaner was introduced to him, can it be wondered 
that words entirely failed him. Similar scepticism was at first 
expressed by the Governor of the Colony, Lord Charles Somerset, 
who afterwards, received the chief with great kindness, and 
seemed impressed with the result of missionary enterprise, and 
as a proof of his good feeling, presented Africaner with an 
excellent wagon. 

Moffat had a twofold object in visiting the Cape: first, to 


Moffat of Africa 21 


introduce Africaner, which we have seen he successfully did ; 
second, to secure supplies for the Namaqua station. This, how- 

. ever, was not to be carried out as he had hoped, for a Depu- 
tation from the Missionary Society then visiting the Cape 
wished to appoint him to the Bechuana Mission. To this 
Moffat reluctantly agreed, for he had become greatly at- 
tached to his Namaqua flock. Another important event 
took place while Moffat was at the Cape, for he there married 
Miss Smith to whom he had been engaged for some consider- 
able time, 

The whole party then set out on their return journey, 
Africaner accompanying Moffat as far as Daniel’s Kuil, where 
they met Berends Berend, the Griqua chief. The two chiefs had 
met in many a deadly contest, but now they were united by the 
common bond of Christianity, and their former hostility 
dissolved. This was to be Moffat’s final parting with Africaner, 
for the chief passed away within two years of this memorable 
meeting. 

Griqua Town had formerly been under the chieftainship of 
Adam Kok, but he had abandoned the town, and the acknow- 
ledged chief was Berends Berend, He, however, seldom visited 
the place, devoting all his interests to Daniel’s Kuil, distant 
about fifty miles, and refusing to appoint a representative. The 
place was, therefore, disorganised, and like a ship without a 
rudder, Finally, Andries Waterboer was unanimously elected 
to the position of chief, to the satisfaction of the missionaries ; 
he was a man without name or riches, and had been educated 
on the station. His management of affairs was at first con- 
sidered severe, and this led to the formation of two parties— 
those who were in favour of law and order, the other consisting 
of turbulent and unruly spirits who could not brook discipline 
or restraint. To this party all the desperadoes of the com- 
munity joined themselves, and carried devastation, blood, and 
rapine among all the Bechuana tribes within their reach. They 
even made two attacks on Griqua Town, though happily 


22 Moffat of Africa 


attended with little loss of life on either side, but causing 
much alarm in the mission families. : 

Moffat found the work amongst the Bechuanas, upon which 
he entered in 1821, to be even a severer trial of patience than 
that in which he had been hitherto engaged. The people were 
absolutely devoid of religious ideas, and had not even risen to. 
the level of idolatry. They were also extremely mischievous. 
The Moffats were often left without any water for their vege- 
tables, as the women would cut the watercourse which they had 
made from the Kuruman River, leaving them on a thirsty plain . 
without a drop of water, and with the thermometer at 120°, 
The savage temper of the Bechuanas was a severe trial to the 
missionaries. On one occasion, Mrs. Moffat, with a babe in her | 
arms, humbly begged a woman to be kind enough to move out 
of a temporary kitchen, that she might shut it as usual before 
going to church. The woman seized a piece of wood to hurl at 
Mrs. Moffat’s head, who was obliged to make her escape, leaving 
her in undisputed possession of the kitchen, and free to appropri- 
ate its contents to her own use. Thefts of their property were of 
daily occurrence, from cattle and sheep, to tools and utensils. 
Sometimes on returning from preaching the missionary would 
find a stone left in the pot instead of the meat on which he had 
hoped to dine. | 

Occasionally the natives hinted that the missionaries had left 
their own country on account of some crime. Besides their 
natural stupidity, the superstitious reverence paid by the 
natives to supposed ‘‘ rain-makers ”’ formed a great obstacle to 
missionary labours. No device was too grotesque or absurd for 
the natives to carry out at the command of the “‘ rain-maker ” 
in order, as they hoped, to obtain rain, 

On one occasion he told them to catch a baboon and bring it 
without a single hair missing, on another to kill a lion and bring 
its heart. Neither of these methods had any result; and the 
rain-maker then declared that Moffat and his brother missionary 
Hamilton frightened away the clouds by looking at them. 


Moffat of Africa 23 


Eventually Moffat had to intercede for the life of the rain-maker 
whom the disappointed natives were preparing to kill. He 
succeeded in getting him off safely, but they then directed 
their anger against himself, saying that the missionarics’ 
residence among them was the cause of the long-continued 
drought, and that they must leave the country. One day a 
chief, brandishing his spear, came to Moffat’s door with a 
threatening message to this effect. Moffat came out and con- 
fronted him, while his wife looked on from the doorway with 
her infant in her arms. To his threats the missionary replied, 
** If you are resolved to rid yourselves of us you must resort to 
stronger measures. You may shed blood or burn us out. Then 
shall they who sent us know, and God, who sees and hears us 
shall know that we have been persecuted indeed.” At these 
words the chief looked at his companions, remarking with a 
significant shake of the head, ‘‘ These men must have ten lives 
when they are so fearless of death ; there must be something in 
immortality.” The threatening group then broke up, and the 
missionaries were left for the time in peace. 

At last the day came when the Bechuanas were to learn the 
value of Moffat. For some time past rumours had reached 
Kuruman that a savage tribe named the Mantatees were about 
to attack the Bechuanas. Moffat had been preparing for a visit 
to a distant chief, Makaba, head of the Bauangketsi, in order to 
open up friendly relations with him. Notwithstanding the dis- 
suasions of the Bechuana chief, Mothibi, who refused to lend him 
any men for the journey, he persisted in carrying out his plan. 

After some days’ journey he came in sight of the Mantatees, 
who were preparing for the attack on the Bechuanas. Moffat 
hurried back to Latta Koo, the Bechuana headquarters, and 
advised Mothibi to send for help to Griqua Town. He followed 
the missionary’s advice, and, after eleven days’ waiting, about 
one hundred armed horsemen came. 

Moffat and the Griquas proceeded to reconnoitre, and soon 
came in sight of the enemy. They were also seen by the latter, 


24. Moffat of Africa 


and a few warriors hurled their spears at them, which, however, 
fell short. Moffat then went forward unarmed, with one of the 
Griquas, to parley with them. They had approached within a 
hundred yards of the enemy, and were just about to dismount, 
when the savages uttered a hideous yell, and several hundred 
men rushed forward flinging their weapons with such velocity 
that Moffat and his companion had scarcely time to turn their 
terrified steeds and gallop away. Seeing no possible means of 
bringing them to a parley, they retired to a height at a short 
distance but within view of the enemy. At sunset Moffat rode 
back to confer with the Griqua chiefs, and to devise some way 
of bringing the enemy to terms, and avoiding, if possible, the 
dreadful consequences of a battle. 

Next morning they were all in motion before daybreak, and 
the hundred horsemen rode up to the invaders hoping to 
intimidate them by their imposing appearance, and bring them 
toaparley. But when they had approached within one hundred 
and fifty yards the Mantatees set up their terrible howl and 
flung their spears and javelins, whereupon the Griquas fired and 
shot several of their warriors. It was confidently expected that 
the Mantatees, never having seen fire-arms, would be daunted 
by this, but it only seemed to inflame their rage. Those who > 
had flung their spears snatched weapons from the hands of their 
dying companions, and sallied forth in such numbers that the 
Griquas were compelled to retreat. At length, finding their 
ammunition failing, they charged the enemy, who gave way in 
their turn. 

During the battle the Bechuanas came up and began to 
plunder and despatch the wounded men, and to butcher the 
women and children with their spears and war-axes. Seeing 
this Moffat galloped in among them, and by entreaties and 
remonstrances turned many of the Bechuanas from their 
murderous purpose. At last, after many hours’ fighting, the 
Mantatees were finally repulsed, and the threatened attack on 
Kuruman was averted. 


























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MOFFAT’S COURAGEOUS ENDEAVOUR 


The Bechuanas came up and began to plunder and despatch the wounded men, 
and to butcher the women and children with their spears and axes. Moffat 
galloped in among them, and by entreaties and remonstrances turned many of 
them from their murderous purpose. 


26 Moffat of Africa 


Mothibi, the Bechuana chief, recognising that this deliverance 
was due to Moffat’s having persisted on his journey in spite.of 
the chicf’s dissuasions, and so having discovered the enemy, 
expressed his gratitude in lively terms. His people also seemed 
at last to become sensible of the deep interest the missionaries 
had taken in their welfare, standing by them in troublous times 
when they might have escaped to the colony with comparative 
little loss of property. After nine years’ patient waiting the 
tide began to turn in the missionaries’ favour, 

All reports of further attempts of invasion having died away, 
Moffat was now able to devote all his attention to the welfare of 
of his flock. All the buildings which had hitherto been raised 
were but temporary, and the prospect of being left on a sandy 
plain without even drinking water not only prevented the 
erection of comfortable abodes, but indicated a favourable 
opportunity for recommending a removal to a more favourable 
situation. A place eight miles distant, about three miles below 
the Kuruman fountain appeared, from the locality, and its 
closeness to the source of the Kuruman River, to be a better 
spot for a missionary station than any others for hundreds of 
miles around. But this proposal was rejected by the chiefs - 
owing to the scarcity of trees and bushes, for it was the mis- 
guided habit of the natives to cut down the timber in their 
neighbourhood to build their huts and erect fences. No argu- 
ments Moffat could advance prevailed, but after an inspection 
of the place the chief Mothibi agreed to assign to the L.M.S. a 
tract of land stretching about two miles down the valley from 
the river, for which he was to be paid a certain sum when Moffat 
returned from a proposed journey to the Cape. On this journey 
he was accompanied by Mothibi’s son and a chief. They had a 
very friendly welcome, and the astonishment and wonder of the 
two dusky visitors at all they saw can well be imagined. They 
returned in May, 1824, and preparations were at once made for 
the transfer of the mission station to its new site. 

Moffat had promised to visit Makaba, King of the Bauang- 


Moffat of Africa 27 


ketsi, but owing to the ignorance and obstinacy of the native 
guides they wandered in a circle, and would soon have been 
back at the place from which they started. The oxen, too, 
during the night wandered back to the last camping-place, and 
horsemen had to be despatched to bring them back. As they 
journeyed along they discovered a buffalo in a thicket of reeds. 
They fired at it but without effect as the reeds concealed the 
animal, They then set fire to the reeds and the buffalo dashed 
out and knocked down one of the men, and had it not been for 
the dogs who attacked it in the rear the man would have been 
gored to death, as it was he escaped with slight wounds. The 
buffalo again took shelter amongst the flaming recds from 
which he would not move, but was shot after his skin was 
literally roasted in the fire. Shortly afterwards they came 
unexpectedly on a stream into which men, oxen, horses, sheep, 
and goats rushed pell-mell, and the scene which followed was 
ludicrous beyond description. One man is pushed down by an 
ox, both delighted with the coolness of the water; another 
tumbles head foremost over the bank, followed by a sheep or a 
goat. One man crawls between the legs of oxen, another tries 
to force himself between their bodies. One shouts that a horse 
is trampling on him, and another that he is fast in the mud. 
But merriment was far from their thoughts until each was 
satisfied and withdrew from the water; then wet, muddy 
objects presented themselves which would have excited 
laughter in the most sober-minded. 

Next day they reached Pitsan, the chief town of the Barolongs. 
The chief Taune tried to dissuade Moffat from venturing into 
the clutches of the notorious Makaba, but without success. The 
oxen were inyoked, and the journey resumed. They camped 
at night, but next morning discovered that nearly fifty oxen had 
strayed, and the search party came back with the information 
that the cattle had fallen into the hands of Makaba’s outpost 
keepers, and that one of them had been killed. This was bad 
news as there was a danger that complications might follow. 


28 Moffat of Africa 


But in the evening the oxen were restored, together with the 
meat of the one slaughtered, and profuse apologies from one 
of Makaba’s sons for the outrage committed on his father’s 
expected guest, and a promise that the perpetrators should be 
torn in pieces, although what they had done was done in 
ignorance. Moffat, however, afterwards interceded for them 
with Makaba, and their lives were spared. 

On arriving at Makaba’s town Moffat received a very 
hospitable reception by the king, who was astonished and 
pleased to see that an unarmed party had trusted themselves 
to the power of such a “‘ villain ” as he was reported to be, Next 
morning Moffat in a conversation with Makaba explained the 
object of his visit, which was to establish friendly relations 
with the Bauangketsi, with which Makaba heartily agreed, and 
appeared delighted with the suggestion that a missionary should 
reside amongst them. 

Moffat then made a survey of the town and found that it 
covered an immense area, and contained a very large population, 
and that it was very well laid out, the houses being well built 
and substantial. HHyenas, however, were a perfect scourge, the 
brutes nightly prowling through the streets, and taking a daily | 
toll of women and children, But this the people seemed to 
regard with complete indifference, and Moffat’s suggested plans 
for destroying the brutes were quictly ignored, 

After many conversations with Makaba and his nobles, and 
after delivering his message to the people, the time for Moffat’s 
departure drew near, for the season was drawing on when the 
wells would be dry. During the night before the departure . 
wild panic seized the men, for a report had gone abroad that 
the Bauangketsi intended to ambuscade and slay them all. 
A hurried start was made early in the morning, to the astonish- 
ment of the people, and to the just indignation of Makaba. 
Moffat seeing that he could not stop his own people returned to 
Makaba and explained matters to him, and the king emphati- 
cally repudiated any such treacherous intention, in proof of 


Moffat of Africa 29 


which he goodnaturedly accompanied Moffat to the wagons, 
where he bantered the men for their eredulity, and presented 
them with an ox. | 

Having said farewell Moffat took his departure. After they 
had proceeded some way on their journey they were met by 
messengers from Tuane, chief of the Barolongs, begging them to 
hasten to their assistance as they were threatened by an attack 
from a tribe of Mantatees. As there was no other course open 
to Moffat he made all haste, and arrived at the Barolong 
territory to find confusion everywhere, The enemy were at the 
gates of the town, and Moffat had a narrow escape of falling 
into an ambuscade and being transfixed by the spears of the 
enemy. The details of the fighting would occupy too much 
space here ; it is sufficient to say that the fighting was fast and 
furious, and that many lives were lost and wounds inflicted. 
Finally the enemy were driven off, and order restored among 
the panic-stricken, mainly by Moffat’s efforts. 

Any hopes of a permanent settlement were soon afterwards 
dashed to the ground by an outbreak of civil war which spread 
its devastating effects all over the neighbouring tribes, and 
assumed a magnitude unknown in native history. This obliged 
Moffat to remove his family to Griqua Town for safety, but he 
returned to the Kuruman station in about a month. In the 
welter of blood the hitherto unconquered Bauangketsi were 
dispersed by a combined force, and Makaba, Moffat’s former 
host, had been slain in the midst of heaps of warriors. 

During the infancy of the new station Moffat had a very 
trying time. Some of his newly arrived assistants, unac- 
customed to the privations which Moffat himself and_ his 
followers were called upon to endure, were continually murmur- 
ing. Armed robbers were constantly making inroads, and 
threatening death and destruction. The missionaries were 
compelled to work daily at every kind of labour, under a burning 
sun, and in a dry climate, where only one shower had fallen 
during the preceding twelve months. These are only imperfect 


* 


30 Moffat of Africa 


samples of the work done for several years at the new Kuruman 
station, while at the same time the language had to be acquired. 

After several years of drought plentiful rain had fallen in the 
early part of 1826, and there was now a happy prospect of an 
abundant harvest, but this hope was dashed to the ground by 
swarms of locusts which passed over like a dense cloud, making 
a great noise with their wings, and stripping the country of 
every vestige of verdure, not even sparing the bark of the trees. 
Although they are preyed on by the birds of the air and the 
beasts of the earth, it seems impossible by any means whatever 
to arrest their progress ; fires will not stop their course, for their 
countless corpses quench the flames; streams are no impedi- 
ment, for they cross them with ease; high walls prove no 
obstacle for they simply march up one side and down the other. 
The people eat them in large quantities. They pluck off their 
legs and wings, boil and then dry them, and pound them into a 
meal, or eat them whole. Moffat says the taste, which is rather 
an acquired one, is not disagreeable, and somewhat resembles 
that of shrimps. This visitation was a matter for thankfulness 
on account of the poor; for as many thousands of cattle had 
been taken from the natives, and gardens to an immense extent 
destroyed, many hundreds of families, but for the locusts, must 
have perished from hunger. 

At the end of the year 1826, the state of the country being 
somewhat more tranquil, Moffat arranged to pay a visit to the 
Barolongs. Two attempts had been previously made, but in 
each case he had been hastily recalled on account of threatened 
attacks on the station. Moffat with four attendants set out on 
the journey over a wild and dreary country, and on the third 
night halted at a pool and let loose their wearied oxen. As it 
was dark they lit a torch and to their alarm saw many spoors of 
lions. They hastily collected the oxen and secured them to the 
wagon. But during the night a huge lion sprang on a cow 
belonging to one of the Barolong followers and carried it some 
distance away, and proceeded to tear it to pieces and break its 













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A NIGHT OF LIONS 
They were lions, and Moffat retreated on hands and knees as quietly as he could, 


32 Moffat of Africa 


bones with its teeth. Moffat fired several bullets at the brute, 
which did not hit it, but scared it away, taking its meal with it. 
The supply of fuel being small Moffat proceeded to search round 
the pool for more. Looking up he saw four shaggy-looking 
forms standing out against the sky. They were lions and 
Moffat retreated on hands and knees as quietly as he could. On 
coming to his wagon-driver he found him gazing in alarm, at 
some objects in front of him, they were more lions, two grown 
up, with a cub. The distrust between them and the human 
beings was mutual, and the brutes went off. This was, indeed, 
a night of lions. 

A journey of two days brought them to a village called 
Choaing, whose chief, Bogachu, was both intelligent and 
courteous. Here Moffat stayed for ten weeks, but, although 
he describes the natives as being very good-natured he speaks 
of his surroundings as being unspeakably filthy. Rhinoceros 
were very numero’.s in this neighbourhood, several of which 
Moffat shot, greatly to the delight of the people. One night, 
being in want of food, Moffat and two companions entrenched 
themselves close to a pool in the hope of shooting some game. ~ 
The first animals to approach were lions which satisfied their 
thirst and went away; the next were two large buffaloes which 
were heading straight for the hunters. One of the natives urged 
Moffat to fire, but he, knowing the extremely dangerous 
character of a wounded buffalo, refused. The man fired and 
hit the animal, which, evidently not seeing the foe, stood stock 
still in the same position for an hour, and then went slowly off. 
The hunters had not dared to move a limb, and when the 
buffalo moved away they were so stiff with cold as to be quite 
incapable of flight whatever had pursued them. Their next 
visitors were two giraffes, one of which they wounded ; a troop 
of quaggas followed, but their leader was suspicious, and they 
galloped away without drinking. A huge rhinoceros came next, 
which received a mortal wound. Lions were heard approaching, 
so the hunters judged it wise to make for home, and after a 


Moffat of Africa eK 


lonely tramp through bushes, hyenas, and jackals reached the 
village in safety, Moffat resolving never again to hunt at night 
by a water-pool unless driven to do so by the direst necessity. 

While staying with the Barolongs Moffat received an invita- 
tion from Segebue, Chief Makaba’s son and successor, to visit 
him, but Moffat was compelled to decline, sending at the same 
time a small present. A fortnight later a cry was raised that a 
marauding party was about to attack the village, and most of 
the natives fled. Those who remained were amazed to see the 
tall form of Segebue emerge from the thicket followed by two 
hundred fine-looking warriors, and still more amazed to witness 
the cordial greeting which passed between the missionary and 
the chief, telling of a firmly established friendship between the 
awe-inspiring chief of the warlike Bauangketsi and the white 
man. Segebue remained for two days, and his last words on 
leaving were: ‘‘ Trust me as you trusted my father.” After 
a stay of ten weeks amongst this people, who had showed him 
great kindness, Moffat set out for home, which he safely reached 
after a thirsty journey. 

Things were now beginning to look rosy, and Moffat was 
filled with hope when it was shattered by a letter he received 
from Griqua Town informing him of the intended attack on the 
station by the Bergenaars, a band of desperadoes who had 
already made themselves extremely unpleasant in Griqua Town. 
They threatened to loot the station, take all the missionaries’ 
property, and destroy the whole place with fire. This was a 
great shock to Moffat who was weary of flights, and at first he 
was inclined to make little of the gravity of the situation, and 
so he wrote to his correspondent, Mr. Wright, expressing his 
determination to stay. Urgent messages, and the panic- 
stricken state of the natives induced him to change his mind. 
Reluctantly he gathered together some of his most valuable 
possessions, and wended his weary journey along the desert 
path, and after a most melancholy journey of five days reached 
Griqua Town ; and sincerely he regretted having come, for he 

) 


24 Moffat of Africa 


saw only starvation staring him in the face: cattle were dying 
from want of grass, and there were no means of obtaining | 
supplics from the Colony. Reports were so conflicting that 
Moffat resolved to return to Kuruman; but what a pitiable 
condition of affairs met him. Most of the cattle were dead, and 
many of the huts had been reduced to ashes by their panic- 
stricken occupants when they fled. 

But even in this shipwrecked condition Moffat did not neglect 
the great object of his life, and he wrote a hymn, the first ever 
written in the native language; the arrival, too, of spelling- 
books, ete., enabled him to commence a school in the Sechuana 
tongue. Fragments of tribes scattered in the country by degrees 
collected round the station. Among these, a comparatively new 
soil, he continued his labours, and fruitless as the past had been, 
he felt when addressing the people, as if he were thrown some 
years back. A temporary house belonging to one of the mission- 
aries, and now unoccupied, was converted into a chapel, and a 
humble pulpit erected. On the following day when Moffat was 
about to occupy it, he found that a cobra had taken possession 
of it. To some people this might appear ominous. | 

In the month of March, 1828, a party of Corannas passed close © 
to the station on a marauding expedition into the interior. They 
were intercepted, and the wickedness of their intention as 
well as the danger to themselves were pointed out to them, 
for their object was to attack the powerful Bauangketsi. 
In the course of a few days the marauders had determined to 
forgo their original plan, but to the amazement of the mission- 
aries they entered the station and sat themselves down on the 
outskirts of the village. Their bearing was haughty and 
menacing, but care was taken to avoid all cause of offence. 
Suspicion existed that it was their intention to raid the station 
for the sake of the cattle, and they were earnestly entreated to 
leave the place in peace. They then became abusive, and 
entrenching themselves in a natural ditch fired some bullets into 
the station, one of which passcd close to Moffat’s head. This 


Moffat of Africa 35 


exasperated the station natives beyond endurance, so they 
made a sortie and routed the invaders out of their shelter, and 
drove them across the plain towards the mountains, killing some 
and capturing others, and recovering all their stolen goods. 

For some time after this matters were tranquil, and the state 
of the Griqua country encouraged the hope that a permanent 
peace might be established. But no, for news reached them of 
the approach of another band of marauders from the Orange 
River, and their presence was not known until they were within 
eight miles of the station, when a boy who had escaped from 
their clutches ran in with the startling news. Had it not been 
for him it is difficult to imagine how the mission could have 
escaped the stealthy advance and the sudden murderous 
onrush. Confusion followed, and all the cattle were hastily 
driven far into the country for safety. Early on the morning 
of the following day the commando emerged from the conceal- 
ment of some rising ground where they had passed the previous 
night, and when they saw that their approach had been dis- 
covered, and set their eyes on what they imagined to be en- 
trenchments packed with people, they could not do otherwise 
than advance, but when they got within gunshot they sheered 
off towards the river where they proceeded to round up all the 
cattle they could see. A man bearing a flag of truce, which 
consisted of a rag tied to the end of a stick, advanced from the 
opposite side, and Moffat met him half-way, for he had no 
desire that the enemy should discover that the trenches which 
appeared to be packed with determined men were merely a 
crowd of timid people poorly armed. He informed Moffat that 
their chief was a man named Paul, who at one time had been 
under Moffat’s influence, but now stubbornly refused to meet 
him face to face. The reason given for this attack was that Paul 
had suffered some real or fancied injury at the hands of the 
Griquas of the Kuruman station, and that he was determined 
to wreak his vengeance on them and wipe them out root and 
branch. 


36 Moffat of Africa 


Parley followed parley; Moffat’s entreaties for a personal 
interview were met by a sullen refusal. But at length Moffat’s 
- earnestness broke down Paul’s obstinacy, and he consented to 
meet his former teacher. He advanced in a very shamefaced 
manner, but Moffat caught him by the hand as an old friend, 
and avoiding upbraidings pointed out with deep earnestness 
the wicked course he was pursuing, and of the days past when 
their intercourse had been of a different nature. This conversa- 
tion so affected Paul that he gave orders for all the cattle to be 
instantly restored, and promised to give up all his former plans 
and to return by the way he came. It is interesting to notice 
the results. The party remained for two days; Paul and his 
adherents went to their homes, but the others, who had come 
out for plunder and were determined to have it, met with 
devastation, famine, and death. This was among the last efforts 
of the hordes of ruthless desperadoes who had for five years 
been scattering destruction throughout the tribes. They had 
filled up their cup of iniquity, and they were made to drink of 
the bitter cup they had poured out for others. These awful 
judgments were not without good results, for, so evidently was - 
the hand of God displayed, that the atheistical Bechuanas were 
wonderfully impressed with the truth of an overruling Provi- 
dence; which doctrine they had, as a nation, hitherto treated 
as imaginary and false. 

A wave of religious feeling now swept over the station; the 
moral wilderness seemed about to blossom. The little chapel 
which had hitherto been more than sufficient for the needs of 
the mission proved now too small. A man named Aaron 
Josephs, who was once a runaway slave, and from long residence 
in the Colony had acquired a certain amount of education, — 
together with two other men, offered to take upon themselves 
the labour and expense of raising a school-house, which would 
serve as ‘a place of worship, till one for that special purpose 
could be erected. The offer was thankfully accepted, and 
Aaron at once set matters in motion. All who felt interested in 


Moffat of Africa 37 


the work gave whole-hearted assistance, even women and 
children, carrying clay, laths from the bushes, materials for 
thatch, and providing labour in any capacity of which they 
were capable. The building was finished and opened in the 
month of May, 1829, and in the following month six candidates 
for baptism were selected. At the opening service the building 
was crowded to excess, and the greatest interest excited by a 
scene which was indeed a novelty to many, the service being 
conducted in the Bechuana language. 

In the latter part of the year 1829 two traders journeyed into 
the interior for the purpose of shooting elephants, and of trading. 
Hearing that a tribe possessing much cattle lived at some 
distance eastward they proceeded thither, and were received in 
a friendly manner by Moselckatse, the king of that division of 
Zulus called Abaka Zulus, or more generally Matabele. Previous 
to this the king had gained some information of the white men, 
and especially of those on the Kuruman station, but he was 
eager to learn more. So, when the traders returned Moselekatse 
sent with them two of his lintuna, or chief men, charging them 
particularly to enquire into the manners and teaching of the 
Kuruman missionarics. On their arrival they were greatly 
impressed with all they saw; they were shown every mark of 
attention which they acknowledged with a dignity of bearing 
and a natural politeness of manner to which the missionaries 
had been entirely unaccustomed amongst the Bechuanas, They 
viewed the buildings, the smith’s forge, the irrigation ditch, and 
other improvements with profound but grave and respectful 
astonishment. ‘‘ You are men,”’ one of them said, ‘‘ we are but 
children.”” When standing in the hall of Moffat’s house, looking 
at the strange furniture, one of them caught sight of a small 
looking-glass at which he gazed with admiration. Mrs. Moffat 
handed him one considerably larger ; he looked intently at his 
reflected countenance, and, never having seen it before, 
supposed it was that of one of his attendants on the other side ; 
he sharply put his hand behind it, and told him to be gone, but 


28 Moffat of Africa 


looking again at the same face, he cautiously turned the glass, 
and seeing nothing returned it with great gravity to Mrs. Moffat, 
saying that he could not trust it. 

What excited their astonishment more than anything was 
the order and decorum with which public worship was con- 
ducted. From their infancy every public meeting of whatever 
nature had been marked by hoarse war-song and barbaric 
display. 

The Matabele had intended to pay a visit to the Colony, but 
certain difficulties arose and the journey was given up. The 
question of a safe return to their own country caused Moffat 
much anxiety, and heartily he wished that these emissaries of 
the powerful Matabele king had never set foot on Kuruman 
territory. One of them, ’Umbate, with his companion, requested 
a private conversation with Moffat and informed him that a 
rumour had reached him that the Bechuana tribes had formed 
a plot to waylay them on their return journey. The conse- 
quences of such an act filled Moffat’s mind with horror. Mosele- — 
katse was king of a powerful and warlike people, and to imagine 
that he would omit to take an ample and bloody vengeance for 
such an offence to his royal dignity, was folly. His name was 
dreaded, for he had deluged the surrounding country with blood. 
Much anxious consultation between the members of the mission 
then took place, and finally it was decided that Moffat should 
accompany them as far as the Bahurutsi country, after which 
their journey would be comparatively safe. When the visitors 
heard of this their faces glistened with delight, and gratitude. 
A wagon was procured, and accompanied by a band of volun- 
teers, for there were many who had grave doubts as to the result 
of the journey, they left Kuruman on November 9. ) 

At Sitlagole River, about 160 miles from Kuruman, they had 
halted and allowed their oxen to graze at some little distance 
from the wagons when two lions burst out of the bush. The 
larger of the two bounded on to a fine ox, killing it instantane- 
ously, then planting its fore feet on the carcase it glared at the 


Moffat of Africa 39 


party and roared defiantly. However, a few shots close to its 
head induced it to retire, when they gladly secured the meat. 

Ten days afterwards they reached Mosega, the abode of 
Mokhatla, chief of the Bahurutsi, and to his safe keeping Moffat 
handed over his charges and prepared to return home. But 
against this the two envoys vehemently protested, urging him 
with all their power to continue the kindness he had already 
shown them, and, moreover, assuring him that their king 
would certainly put them to death if they returned without 
him. To these entreaties the Bahurutsi chief added his own, 
saying that if Moffat refused, he and his people would flee. It 
was in vain that Moffat urged his own pressing engagements at 
home, and at last, to their inexpressible relief he promised to 
accompany them as far as their first cattle outposts. 

The country through which they were now travelling was 
quite of a different character from that they had already 
passed; it was mountainous, and wooded to the summits ; 
evergreens adorned the valleys, in which streams of excellent 
water flowed through many a winding course towards the 
Indian Ocean. It was a country once covered with a dense 
population. On the sides of the hills were towns in ruins, where 
thousands once made the country alive, amidst fruitful vales 
now covered with luxuriant grass, inhabited by game. The 
devastating invasions of the Mantatees and the Matabele had 
left to beasts of prey the undisputed right of these lovely wood- 
land glens. The lion which had gorged on human flesh, roamed 
at large, a terror to the traveller, who often heard with dismay 
his nightly roaring echoed back by the surrounding hills. The 
party were mercifully preserved during the nights, though their 
slumbers were often interrupted by his fearful roarings. They 
had frequently to take their guns and march in front of the 
wagon, as the oxen sometimes took fright at the sudden rush of a 
rhinoceros or buffalo from a thicket. More than one instance 
occurred when a rhinoceros being aroused from its slumbers by 
the crack of the whips, the oxen would scamper off like race- 


4.0 Moffat of Africa 


horses, the result being the destruction of gear and some part of 
the wagon. As there was no road they were frequently obliged 
to take very circuitous routes to find a passage through deep 
ravines ; and they were often obliged to use picks, spades, and 
hatchets to clear their way. When they bivouacked for the 
night, a plain was generally selected in order to be the better able 
to defend themselves ; and when fire-wood was plentiful, they 
made a number of fires at a distance round the wagon. But 
when it rained their condition was pitiable in the extreme ; 
and they only wished it to rain so hard that the lion might be 
reluctant to leave his lair. | 
They had now reached the first cattle posts of the Matabele, 
and again Moffat urged the necessity for his return, and again 
the two envoys earnestly entreated him to accompany them to 
the presence of their king, otherwise their lives. would be 
sacrificed. Moffat found himself in a very perplexing position. 
These men were undoubtedly of noble condition, and Moffat 
felt it impossible to resist their supplications, so he gave his 
consent. They travelled through country of varied and 
picturesque but very interesting character, containing the ruins 
of innumerable towns, showing signs of immense labour and 
perseverance ; stone fences, averaging from four to seven feet 
high, raised apparently without mortar, hammer, or line. Every- 
thing was circular, from the inner walls which surrounded each 
dwelling, to those which encircled a town. The remains of some 
large houses displayed a far superior style to anything Moffat 
had seen among the other tribes of Southern Africa. The 
circular walls were generally composed of hard clay, so well 


plastered and polished, that the interior of the house had the — 


appearance of being polished. This scene of devastation, now 
the home of reptile and beast of prey, showed evidence of a 
former prosperity and a well-populated region. War had swept » 
over the land and had left slaughter, flames, and ruin in its 
track. 

Commandos of Chaka, the once bloody monarch of the Zulus, 


Moffat of Africa 41 


had made frightful havoc; but all this was nothing to the final 
destruction of the Bakone tribes by the arms of Moselekatse. 
The story of the destruction of a people rendered soft and 
effeminate by peace and prosperity was given to Moffat by one 
of the conquered people in greater detail than space will here 
allow. ‘‘ They sang, they danced, till they beheld on yonder 
heights the approaching foe. The noise of their song was 
hushed, and their hearts were filled with dismay. They saw the 
clouds ascend from the plains. It was the smoke of burning 
towns. The shout was raised, ‘ They are friends’; but they 
shouted again, ‘ They are foes,’ until their near approach showed 
them to be naked Matabele. The men seized their arms as if to 
chase the antelope. The onset was as the voice of lightning, and 
their spears as the shaking of a forest in the autumn storm. The 
Matabele lions raised the shout of death, and flew upon their 
victims. It was the shout of victory. Their hissing and hollow 
groans told their progress among the dead. A few moments 
laid hundreds on the ground. The clash of shields was the 
signal of triumph. Our people fled with their cattle to the top 
of yonder mount. The Matabele entered the town with the 
roar of the lion ; they pillaged and fired the houses, speared the 
mothers, and cast their infants to the flames. The sun went 
down. The victors emerged from the smoking plain, and 
pursued their course, surrounding the base of yonder hill. They 
slaughtered cattle ; they danced and sang till the dawn of day ; 
they ascended, and killed till their hands were weary of the 
spear.” Stooping to the ground on which they stood the 
narrator took up a little dust in his hand; blowing if off, and 
holding out his naked palm, he added, “‘ That is all that remains 
of the great chief of the blue-coloured cattle!” Moffat 
declared that it was impossible for him to describe his feelings 
while listening to this descriptive effusion of native eloquence. 

They were detained several days at this place by dreadful 
storms of thunder, which appeared to make the very mountains 
shake, and heavy rains which caused torrents of water to fall 


42 Moffat of Africa 


from the neighbouring heights, which deluged the plains. The 
luxuriance of every thing on hill and dale was great. The rich 
black soil being saturated with water, became so adhesive, that 
it was found impossible for either men or oxen to proceed. The 
wheels became one mass of clay, which nothing could detach, 
while the feet of the oxen became so large with the tenacious 
soil, that it was out of their power to move them from the spot. 

Passing over some hills they were conducted by a special 
messenger of the king by a circuitous route over hill and dale, 
quite difficult enough for human beings but doubly so for oxen, 
until they came in sight of the capital situated under a range of 
hills. 

“* There,” said ’Umbate, pointing to the town, “‘ there dwells 
the great king Pezulu (Heaven, one of his titles), the Elephant, 
the Lion’s paw,” following up these titles with expressions of 
extravagant praise. 

They proceeded directly to the town, and on riding into the - 
centre of the large fold, which was capable of holding ten 
thousand head of cattle, were rather taken by surprise to find 
it lined by eight hundred warriors, besides two hundred who 
were concealed on each side of the entrance, as if in ambush. 
They were beckoned to dismount, which they did, holding their 
horses’ bridles in their hands. The warriors at the gate 
instantly rushed in with hideous yells, and leaping from the 
earth with a kind of kilt around their bodies, hanging like loose 
tails, and their large shields, frightened the horses. They then 
joined the circle, falling into rank with as much order as if they 
had been accustomed to European tactics. Here Moffat stood 
surrounded by warriors, whose kilts were of ape skins, and their 
legs and arms adorned with the hair and tails of oxen, their 
shields reaching to their chins, and their heads adorned with 
feathers. 

Although in the centre of a town, all was silent as the mid- 
night hour, while the men were motionless as statues. Eyes 
only were seen to move, and there was a rich display of fine 


SS 


== = 


—— a + 


oe 


bs Kl 
h iu NM ~ ne Sy i ta if 


== 





MOFFAT AND KING MOSELEKATSE 
Here Moffat stood surrounded by warriors. 


44 Moffat of Africa 


white tecth. After some minutes of profound silence, which was 
only interrupted by the breathing of the horses, the war song 
burst forth. Another pause ensued, and then out marched the 
monarch from behind the lines, followed by a number of men 
bearing baskets and bowls of food. He came forward, and 
having been instructed in the white man’s mode of salutation, 
gave each a clumsy but hearty shake of the hand, He then 
politely turned to the food, which was placed at their feet, and 
invited them to partake. 

By this time the wagons had approached, and when Moffat 
desired to be directed to a spot where he might encamp, the 
king very hospitably said, “* The land is before you; you are 
come to your son. You must sleep where you please.” The 
‘moving houses” as he called the wagons filled him with 
surprise, but what excited his astonishment most were the 
wheels, and especially the iron tyre surrounding the felloes, for, » 
so far as he could perceive, it had neither beginning nor end. 
A minute inspection followed to discover the welded part. 
“Does he give medicine to the iron?’ was the monarch’s 
enquiry. ‘‘ No,” said ’Umbate, “‘ nothing is used but fire, a 
hammer, and a chisel.” 

Moselekatse did not fail to supply Moffat abundantly with 
meat, milk, and a weak kind of beer, made from the native grain. 
He appeared anxious to please, and to exhibit himself and his 
people to the best advantage. To do honour to the strangers, 
all the inhabitants and warriors of the neighbouring towns were 
ordered to congregate at head-quarters, and on the following 
day a public ball was given. A smooth plain adjoining the 
town was selected for the purpose, where Moselekatse took his 
stand in the centre of an immense circle of his soldiers, numbers 
of women being present, who, with their shrill voices and clap- — 
ping of hands, took part in the concert. They sang their war 
songs, and one composed in honour of the visit of the strangers, 
gazing on and adoring with trembling fear and admiration the 
potentate in the centre, who stood, and sometimes regulated 


~ Moffat of Africa AS 


the motions of thousands by the movement of his head, or the 
raising or depression of his hand. He then sat down on his 
shield of lion’s skin, and asked Moffat if it was not fine, and if he 
had such things in his country ! 

This public entertainment, or display of national glory, 
occupied the greater part of the day, when the chief retired, 
swollen with pride, amidst the deafening shouts of adoring 
applause of the populace. Whenever he arose or sat down, all 
within sight hailed him with a shout, Baaite! or Aaite! 
followed by a number of his high-sounding titles, such as 
Great King, King of heaven, the Elephant, ete. 

When Moffat left Kuruman it was not his intention to travel 
half so far as he had done, so he informed his savage majesty 
that his visit must be shortened as his family and friends at the 
Kuruman would suppose that evil had befallen him on a road 
where there was little other company than beasts of prey. This 
was all very reasonable, but the king contrived, with no little 
artifice and persuasion, to detain him ten days. During this 
period Moffat had frequent interviews with him, but he was not 
favourably situated for obtaining a knowledge of his real 
character; for not a soul in his dominions dared breathe a 
syllable that was not calculated to set him forth as the best and 
noblest of beings, immaculate in his actions, the very perfection 
of all that was lovely, just, and good ; possessing a power which 
could hurl the mountains from their foundations; and finally, 
that his smile was life, while his frown scattered terror and 
death. However, he learned something of his disposition from 
the attendants of the chiefs who had visited the Kuruman, and 
who were permitted to remain at the wagons, with additions to 
their number, to serve or carry messages, but in reality to watch 
all movements, and take notice of all intercourse between 
Moffat and the natives. They were nevertheless very obedient 
to his suggestions, for when he wanted quietness, he had only 
to hold up his finger to signify who should go, or who remain. 
Common pcople were not allowed to appreach without special 


46 Moffat of Africa 


permission, and Moffat was frequently obliged to prevent his 
bodyguard discharging sticks, stones, or any thing else, at any 
one who should dare approach within certain limits. It was 
with no little difficulty he prevented broken heads and broken 
bones, for they appeared to perform their tyrannical functions 
with real zest. | 
During one of Moffat’s first interviews with Moselekatse, the 
following incident took place, which shows that, however 
degraded and crucl man may become, he is capable of being 
subdued by kindness. He drew near to the spot where Moffat 
stood, with some attendants bearing dishes of food; the two 
chiefs who had been at the Kuruman were present, but on the 
approach of their sovereign, they bowed and withdrew, shout- 
ing, as usual, ‘‘ Baaite ’nkhosi enkolu,” but were instantly 
desired to return. Moselekatse, placing his left hand on Moffat’s — 
shoulder, and his right on his own breast, addressed him in the 
following language: ‘‘ Machobane,” (the name of his father), 
‘* T call you such because you have been my father. You have 
made my heart as white as milk; milk is not white to-day, my 
heart is white. I cease not to wonder at the love of a stranger. 
You never saw me before, but you love me more than my own 
people. You fed me when I was hungry; you clothed me 
when I was naked; you carried me in your bosom’; and, 
raising Moffat’s right arm with his own, added, “that arm 
shiclded me from my enemies.” Moffat replied, that he was 
unconscious of having done him any such services, but he 
instantly pointed to the two ambassadors, saying, “‘ These are 
great men; *Umbate is my right hand. When I sent them 
from my presence to see the land of the white men, I sent my 
ears, my eyes, my mouth; what they heard I heard, what they — 
saw I saw, and what they said, it was Moselekatse who said it. 
You fed them and clothed them, and when they were to be slain, 
you were their shield. You did it unto me. You did it unto 
Moselekatse, the son of Machobane.” The testimony ‘of his 
gratitude Moffat duly appreciated and acknowledged, and the 


Moffat of Africa 47 


assurance given that it was in his power to tell him news. This 
was the news of the love of God, to which he listened at first 
with apparent attention, but his countenance soon betrayed a 
truant mind, while his eyes looked with delight on the droves 
of sleek cattle approaching the town, and which possessed 
charms infinitely more captivating than the subject of the 
conversation. 

The following day a dramatic but sad seene was enacted 
before Moffat, a scene in which he was deeply interested. A 
certain entuna (officer) had been convicted of a political offence 
which could not have escaped the heaviest penalty even under 
a more humane government than that of Moselekatse. Moffat 
was struck by his noble carriage and commanding appearance. 
Amidst all the feasting and revelry he was brought up for 
judgment before the king and his council, and divested of all 
his insigna of rank. Even when kneeling before the king Moffat 
was impressed with his dignity. A great silence fell on the great 
assembly, only the voices of the king and his councillors being 
audible. The charges were proved, and the culprit pleaded 
guilty, but he knew it was at a bar where none ever heard the 
sound of pardon for offences much less than his. A pause 
ensued, during which the silence of death pervaded the assembly. 
At length the monarch spoke, and, addressing the prisoner, 
said, ** You are a dead man, but I shall do to-day what I never 
did before; I spare your life for the sake of my friend and 
father ’’—pointing to the spot where Moffat stood. “I know 
his heart weeps at the shedding of blood; for his sake I spare 
your life ; he has travelled from a far country to see me, and he 
has made my heart white; but he tells me that to take away 
life is an awful thing, and never can be undone again. He has 
pleaded with me not to go to war, nor destroy life. I wish him, 
when he returns to his own home again, to return with a heart 
as white as he has made mine. I spare you for his sake, for I 
love him, and he has saved the lives of my people. But,” 
continued the king, “‘ you must be degraded for life ; you must 


48 Moffat of Africa 


no more associate with the nobles of the land, nor enter the 
towns of the princes of the people ; nor ever again mingle in the 
dance of the mighty. Go to the poor of the field, and let your 
companions be the inhabitants of the desert.’”” The sentence 
passed, the pardoned man was expected to bow in grateful 
adoration to him whom he was wont to look upon and exalt in 
songs applicable only to One to whom belongs universal sway 
and the destinies of man. But, no! holding his hands clasped 
on his bosom, he replied, *‘ O king, afflict not my heart! I have 
merited thy displeasure ; let me be slain like the warrior; I 
cannot live with the poor.”’ And, raising his hand to the ring 
he wore on his brow, he continued, “‘ How can I live among the 
dogs of the king, and disgrace these badges of honour which I 
won among the spears and shields of the mighty ? No, I cannot 
live! Let me die, O Pezulu!” His request was granted, and | 
his hands tied erect over his head. Now Moffat’s exertions to 
save his life were vain. He disdained the boon on the conditions 
offered, preferring to die with the honours he had won at the 
point of the spear—honours which even the act that condemned 
him did not tarnish—to exile and poverty among the children 
of the desert. He was led forth, a man walking on each side. 
Moffat’s eye followed him till he reached the top of a precipice, 
over which he was precipitated into the deep pool of the river 
beneath, where the crocodiles, accustomed to such meals, were 
yawning to devour him ere he could reach the bottom ! 

Moselekatse’s conduct in this affair produced a strange 
impression among his people, some of whom regarded Moffat as 
an extraordinary being, who could thus influence one more 
terrible to them than the fiercest lion of the forest. 

The happiness of the king and his subjects appeared to be | 
entirely derived from their success in war, and the reward of a 
wife was a stimulus to his men to multiply their victims. Days 
of feasting were held, when they glutted themselves with flesh. 
The bloody bowl was the portion of those who could count the 
tens they had slain in the day of battle. One evening two men 


Moffat of Africa 49 


bore towards Moffat an enormous basket. It was the royal dish 
sent from the presence of his majesty : the contents, smoking 
blood, apparently as liquid as if it had just come from the 
arteries of the ox, and mixed with sausages of suet. He 
acknowledged the honour the king wished to confer, but begged 
to be excused partaking of so lordly a dish, as he never ate blood 
when he could get anything else. This refusal gave perfect 
satisfaction, when the whole breast of an ox, well stewed, was 
immediately sent in its place. As nothing could be returned, the 
bearers of the smoking present, and others who were standing 
round it, had scarcely heard that they might do what they 
pleased with it, when they rushed upon it, scooping it up with 
their hands, making a noise equal to a dozen hungry hogs 
around a well-filled trough. 

On Moffat’s journey to and from this polite, and, grateful 
barbarian, he received great attention, and was exposed to no 
annoyance. Having to pass through a country full of lions, a 
number of warriors constantly attended the wagons, whom he 
supplied with food out of the numberless presents of milk, grain, 
and slaughter oxen which he had received from their munificent 
-master. On more than one occasion as many as fifty dishes 
were brought from a village and placed before him; but the 
-Matabele escort could not conceal their strong passion for meat, 
and when Moffat gave them the leg or shoulder of an ox, they 
immediately kindled a fire, into the centre of which the whole 
leg would be thrown, and occasionally turned with a long pole. 
After being burned and roasted some inches deep, it was dragged 
forth, and as soon as it was sufficiently cool to allow of its being 
seized with their hands, they squatted on the ground around it, 

and raising it to the level of their mouths, each tore off a piece, 
and the mass might be seen moving to and fro, according to the 
success of the tecth in seizing a firm hold. When they had pene- 
trated to what was too raw, it was thrown again into the fire 
for a second course. Moffat never saw them eat raw flesh, as 
some have affirmed to be their practice. 
D 


50 Moffat of Africa 


Moffat’s description of their mode of warfare and treatment 
of captives at the time when he was amongst them calls up a 
vivid picture of the horrors perpetrated by them when their 
passions were unbridled, and emphasizes the need of the 
humanizing and Christianizing influence of that little army of 
intrepid men who risk all and brave all to deliver their 
message. 

The Matabele were not satisfied with simply capturing cattle ; 
nothing less than the entire subjugation, or destruction of the 
vanquished, could quench their insatiable thirst for power. Thus 
when they conquered a town, the terrified inhabitants were 
driven in a mass to the outskirts, when the parents and all the 
married women were slaughtered on the spot. Such as were 
brave enough to defend their town, their wives, and their 
children, were reserved for a still more terrible death; dry 
grass, saturated with fat, was tied round their naked bodies, and 
then set on fire. The youths and girls were loaded as beasts of 
burden with the spoils of the town, to be marched to the homes 
of their victors, If the town were in an isolated position, the 
helpless infants were either left to perish with hunger or to be 
devoured by beasts of prey. In such an event, the lions scented 
the slain and left their lair. The hyenas and jackals emerged 
from their lurking places in broad day, and revelled in the 
carnage, while a cloud of vultures might be seen descending on 
the living and the dead, and holding a carnival on human flesh. 
Should a suspicion arise in the savage bosom that these helpless 
innocents might fall into the hands of friends, they would 
prevent this by collecting them into a fold, and after raising 
over them a pile of bushwood, apply the flaming torch to it, 
when the town, but lately the scene of mirth, became a heap 
of ashes. Having resolved on returning, Moselekatse ac- 
companied Moffat in his wagon a long day’s journey to one of 
his principal towns. He soon became used to the jolting of an. 
African wagon, and found it comfortable to lay his well-oiled 
body on Moffat’s bed to take a nap. Two more days they spent 


Moftat of Africa 51 


together, and after presenting him with his telescope Moffat 
bade him farewell. He reached home in safety after an absence 
of two months, cheered to find his family well, and the Mission 
prospering under Divine Providence. 

The country had been blessed with such plentiful rains that 
fields and gardens teemed with plenty, such as had not been 
experienced for several years; and the spiritual affairs of the 
station kept pace with external improvements. The foundation 
of a place of worship was laid early in the year 1830, but owing 
to the difficulty of procuring timber was not finished till several 
years later. After finishing the translation of the Gospel of 
St. Luke, Moffat made a journey with his family to Cape Town 
by way of Algoa Bay. Having arrived at Cape Town, Moffat 
begged permission of Sir Lowry Cole, who was then Governor, 
to have the Gospel of St. Luke printed at the Government 
Printing Office. Permission was cheerfully granted, and a small 
hymn-book was also printed in the same language. Scarcely 
had this been accomplished when Moffat was brought very low 
by a severe attack of fever, but his health was improved by a 
somewhat rough passage to Algoa Bay. Never since mission- 
aries entered the country was such a treasure conveyed to the 
mission as on Moffat’s return, for he brought with him an 
edition of the Gospel of St. Luke, and a hymn-book, both in the 
native language, a printing press, type, paper, and ink, besides 
having obtained very liberal subscriptions from the friends in 
Cape Town, and other parts of the Colony, towards the erection 
of a place of worship. But the pleasure experienced was not 
without alloy, for an epidemic of small-pox swept over the 
country carrying off many of the inhabitants and one of 
Moffat’s children, 

At this period Berends Berend laboured under the delusion 
that he had a mission to deliver the down-trodden Bakone 
from the oppression of the Matabele. The vast horde he 
collected completely took Moselekatse by surprise; his forees — 
were routed, his cattle driven off, and he himself compelled to 


52 Moffat of Africa 


take refuge in the bush. But Berends’s miscellaneous horde 
made too sure of their victory. They were elated with their 
success, and slaughtered and ate to the full. Without a picket 
or sentinel, all self-secure, they fell asleep. Before the morning 
dawned, just as the waning moon dipped behind the mountain 
peak, a chosen band of veteran Matabele rolled over the 
slumbering host, scattering confusion, terror, and death. Many 
never awoke, the rest fled in wild dismay, and when the curtain 
of night was withdrawn a scene was exhibited which is better 
left to the imagination than to the pen. 

In a few days Berends, whose sincerity Moffat did not doubt, 
and who had remained by the wagons some days’ journey from 
the catastrophe, heard the tale of horror; and now more than 
half-convinced that he was not the man to give redemption to 
the Bakone, returned, to be greeted by the wail of widow and 
fatherless. While the southern portion of the Matabele country ~ 
was being deluged in blood, a large party of Moffat’s com- 
munity were on a hunting expedition in the very centre of 
Moselekatse’s country, and would have been massacred by a 
company with which they came in contact but for the circum- 
stance of their being from the Kuruman. 

A regular correspondence had been kept up between the 
Kuruman and Moselekatse, who had never in one instance 
wavered in the confidence he placed in Moffat since his former 
visit. An expedition was penetrating the interior for the 
purpose of exploration, and a messenger was despatched to 
Moselekatse who returned a cordial invitation. Moffat was 
asked to join the expedition, and he consented. At the Molapo 
River they were met by one of Moselekatse’s principal officers 
who conducted them to the monarch’s abode on the Tolane 
River, whither he had retired to one of his cattle outposts 
during the prevalence of an epidemic in the country. Moffat _ 
had intended to accompany the expedition while traversing 
Moselekatse’s territories, but to this he objected, urging that 
Moffat had gone there before, and he could on no account 


Moffat of Africa 53 


dispense with his company, The two were therefore constantly 
together for two months. 

On one occasion, having travelled in a circuitous direction, 
they came to a place called Kurrechane, a fine mountain, in a 
well-watered country. The number of lions was fearful. 
Moffat’s old and only horse happening to wander from the 
wagons in the evening, he begged Moselekatse to send out some 
of his men to find it if possible, as it would, in all probability, be 
devoured before morning. He promptly complied with Moffat’s 
request, and as the men passed his wagon, all inquired the name 
of the horse ; “* Mars,’ was the reply. A diligent search ensued, 
when they all shouted lustily for Mars, but were compelled to 
make a speedy retreat owing to the lions, When they returned 
they said that Mars had wandered far, or had fallen asleep, as he 
did not reply ! Of course Moffat gave up all hope of recovering 
him: but Moselekatse, to comfort him, sent a message, “* That 
Morimo (God) would assuredly take care of his own servant’s 
horse.’” In the morning the horse was found, though, during 
the night, they had heard the lions roar from every point of the 
compass. 

On the present journey, when travelling alone in a woody and 
sequestered place, Moffat left the direct road, to avoid a ford 
where there were many crocodiles. He had not proceeded far 
when it suddenly occurred to him that he would like to examine 
a projecting rock which lay beyond the path he had left. After 
examining the object which had attracted his attention, he 
turned towards the place whence he had come in order to retrace 
his steps, but saw a lion, which had caught scent of him on that 
spot, looking about for his prey. Moffat of course made for the 
old ford, and, after throwing in, as was customary, some stones 
to frighten the crocodiles away, he hastened to the other side, 
glad enough to get the watery monsters between the lion and 
himself. 

In one of his early journeys, he had a providential escape from 
an African tiger and a serpent. He had left the wagons, and 


54 Moffat of Africa 


wandered to a distance among the bush in quest of game. He 

had a small double-barrelled gun on his shoulder, which was 

loaded with a ball and small shot ; an antelope passed, at which 

he fired, and slowly followed the course it took. After advanc- 

ing a short distance, he saw a tiger-cat staring at him between 

the forked branches of a tree, behind which his long spotted 

body was concealed, twisting and turning his tail like a cat just 

going to spring on its prey. This Moffat knew was a critical 

moment, not having a bullet in his gun. He moved about as if 

in search of something on the grass, taking care to retreat at the 

same time. After getting, as he thought, a suitable distance to 
turn his back, he moved somewhat more quickly, but in his 
anxicty to escape what was behind, he did not see what was 

before, until startled by treading on a large cobra, asleep on the 

erass. It instantly twirled its body round his leg, on which he — 
had nothing but a thin pair of trousers, when he leaped from the 
spot, dragging the enraged reptile after him, and while in the act 
of throwing itself into a position to bite, without turning round, 
he threw his gun to his shoulder, and shot it. Taking it by the 
tail, he brought it to his people at the wagons, who, on examining 
the bags of poison, asserted, that had the creature bitten 
him he could never have reached the wagons. The serpent was 
six feet long. 

Having surveyed the country to find large timber for the roof 
of their new place of worship, Moffat returned to Kuruman. 
The troubled state of the country had hitherto prevented them ~ 
from procuring the timber, but now, taking advantage of the 
present peaceful conditions, great preparations were made for 
the purpose. They obtained the timber with great labour, and 
what was a no less arduous task, brought it a distance of two 
hundred miles in ox-wagons. 

Meanwhile trouble had arisen between Moselekatse and some 
farmers located on the Yellow River. The king considered that 
he had been injured by the farmers, and attacked them several 
times with varying success ; but he was soon to learn that leather 


Moffat of Africa 55 


shields were no protection against leaden bullets, and of this 
Moffat had warned him. His power had reached its height ; for, 
in addition to the attacks of the farmers, a large commando from 
Dingaan came upon him from the east, when many of his men 
were cut off, and great numbers of his cattle taken. Over- 
whelmed by such superior and unexpected forces, he fled to the 
north ; and to his credit it should be mentioned, that before his 
departure he allowed all the captive Bahurutsi, Bakhatla, and 
other neighbouring tribes, to return to their own land ; an act 
of mercy which astonished the natives. This put an end to 
the plan which had been formed for the establishment of a 
mission station amongst the Matabele, for the time being at 
any rate. 

Success was now attending the long and trying efforts of the 
missionaries at Kuruman, and Moffat was repeatedly asked by 
the inhabitants of the towns on the Yellow and Kolong Rivers 
to pay them a visit. This he did, and was delighted to see the 
improvement made in many places, and the general desire for 
knowledge. It was well known that he had performed some 
cures, and numerous patients were brought to him. 

The natives, though afraid of poison, never once suspected 
that the missionaries would do them harm by administering 
medicine. They were passionately fond of medicine, and of 
being bled, believing that all diseases lay in the blood. No 
matter how nauseous a draught might be, they would lick their 
lips even after a dose of asafcetida. On one occasion Moffat 
requested a man at a distance to send some one for medicine. 
He sent his wife; and having prepared a bitter dose, Moffat 
gave it into her hand, directing her to give it in two portions, one 
at sunset, the other at midnight. She made a long face, and 
begged hard that he might take it all at once, lest they should 
fall asleep. Moffat consented, and down went the potion into 
her stomach, when he exclaimed, ‘‘ It is not for you.” Licking 
her lips, she asked, with perfect composure, if her drinking it 
would not cure her husband ! 


56 Moffat of Africa 


Moffat relates that in one of his early journeys with some 
companions, they came to a heathen village on the panks of the 
Orange River, between Namaqualand and the Griqua country. 
They had travelled far, and were hungry, thirsty, and fatigued. 
From the fear of being exposed to lions, they preferred remain- 
ing at the village to proceeding during the night. The people at 
the village rather roughly directed them to halt at a distance. 
They asked for water, but it was refused. Moffat offered the 
three or four buttons which still remained on his jacket for a 
little milk; this also was refused. They had the prospect of 
another hungry night at a distance from water, though within 
sight of the river. They found it difficult to reconcile them- 
selves to their lot, for in addition to repeated rebuffs, the manner 
of the villagers excited suspicion. When twilight drew on, a 
woman approached from the height beyond which the village 
lay. She bore on her head a bundle of wood, and had a vessel 
of milk in her hand. The latter, without opening her lips, she 
handed to them, laid down the wood, and returned to the village. - 
A second time she approached with a cooking vessel on her head 
and a leg of mutton in one hand, and water in the other. She 
sat down without saying a word, prepared the fire and put 
on the meat. They asked her again and again who she 
was. She remained silent till affectionately entreated to give 
a reason for such unlooked-for kindness to strangers, <A tear 
stole down her sable cheek, when she replied, “I love Him 
whose servant you are, and surely it is my duty to give you a 
cup of cold water in His name. My heart is full, therefore I 
cannot speak the joy I feel to see you in this out-of-the-world 
place.” 

In 1888 Mr. and Mrs. Moffat set out for the Cape partly for 
the sake of their health, and partly to put through the press a 
complete translation of the New Testament. But this proved 
too big an undertaking for any local press, so nothing remained — 
but to travel to England and get the work done there. The 
voyage was a sad one, for an epidemic of measles broke out, and 


Moffat of Africa 57 


their little son James died, aged six. Twenty-three years had 
elapsed since Moffat last saw England, and of course he found 
many changes and vacancies. Then the natural consequence 
of the strain of travelling all over the country, giving addresses, 
and speaking in public, at a period when there were few rail- 
ways, told upon a system already run down by his missionary 
work, and he was forbidden to do any more public speaking for | 
some time to come. This gave him an opportunity of attend- 
ing to the printing of the New Testament, 

What may well be called an historic event took place whilst 
Moffat was in London, namely, the meeting of Moffat and 
Livingstone. Livingstone was at the time completing his 
medical studies with a view to going as a missionary to China, 
but frequent intercourse with Moffat changed his views, and in 
1840 he set out for Africa, taking with him several hundreds of 
the new completed Sechuana New Testament. 

A visit that was intended to last only a few months had 
lengthened into years, and in January, 1843, Moffat and his 
wife sailed for the Cape and arrived there in the following April. 
From thence they sailed to Algoa Bay, where they were delayed 
for some time, but finally reached Kuruman without mishap, 
having been met by David Livingstone at the Vaal River. 
People from all directions and distances flocked in to greet them, 
and the heartiness of their reception left no doubt as to the 
feeling entertained towards them. 

Moffat’s activities were now restricted to the ordinary routine 
of work on a mission station, most of his time being given to the 
translation of the Old Testament, and Kuruman had become 
known to travellers and sportsmen as the last place at which 
they would enjoy the comforts of civilisation before plunging 
into the wild unknown. 

In 1854 Moffat started on his third visit to Moselekatse who 
was genuinely pleased to see him, but was suffering from 
dropsy. Moffat stayed with him for about three months, then 
proposed to get in touch with Livingstone, in the direction of the 


58 Moffat of Africa 


Zambezi, but not meeting him he bade farewell to Moselekatse 
and returned to Kuruman. 

In 1857 Moffat wrote the last words of his translation of the 
Bible; he had already translated ‘‘ The Pilgrim’s Progress.’ 
The Bible was printed on the small press they possessed, assisted 
only by native labour, which speaks volumes for the marvellous 
energy and perseverance of the missionary and the adaptability 
of the natives. 7 

At the age of sixty-two Moffat was called upon by the L.M.S. 
to undertake an expedition to Matabeleland with a view to 
establishing a mission there, and his visit proved quite satis- 
factory, although the Boers did all in their power to frustrate 
the scheme, the Boers asserting that Moffat was inciting the 
natives against them, and, moreover, was supplying them with 
ammunition. There were rumours, too, that an attack on 
Kuruman was meditated. Moffat placed the matter before the 
Governor of Cape Colony, who let the Boers understand that the 
missionaries were under the protection of the Government. . 
When Moffat next visited Moselekatse in order to establish the 
mission and introduce those who were to carry on the work, 
Moselekatse’s manner showed some restraint and lack of cordi- 
ality, but Moffat removed all doubts and suspicions which 
might have been in the chief’s mind as to the missionaries’ 
intentions, and the manual work necessary for the station was 
begun with vigour, no one working harder than the veteran 
missionary, now sixty-five years of age. 

The remaining years of Moffat’s life were comparatively 
uneventful. Bereavements befell them in the sudden death of 
the eldest son, Robert, and of Mary, Livingstone’s wife, at 
Shupanga. Moffat was attacked by a native who had gone out 
of his mind, and suffered such injuries as must have proved fatal 
had not his constitution been of the strongest. 

It was now pointed out to Moffat that his time would be much | 
more profitably spent in supervising the production of the Bible 
in England, as the small press at Kuruman was quite inadequate 


Moflat of Africa 59 


for the purpose, moreover, the work would be of a superior and 
more enduring quality. So, on March 20, 1870, Robert Moffat 
preached his last sermon to his Kuruman flock, and he passed 
from their midst followed by a wail of regret. 

Mrs. Moffat did not long survive their return to England, but 
Moffat found consolation in hard work and in the pleasures of 
his garden, until he, too, passed away on August 9, 1883, at the 
advanced age of eighty-cight. 








Date Due 





Beneath is a Specimen Illustration from, 


JACK SCARLETT, SANDHURST CADET 
By Major ALAN M. BOISRAGON, late Royal Irish Rifles. 


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| | | iii mi) i | 


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